a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thousands were killed in a matter of days in early January.
—
Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
What’s about to happen is more a matter of geometry and timing than a perfectly straight lineup in space.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Later, Sebastian plays a mother surrounded by a gaggle of screaming kids who, in a matter of minutes, become busy, righteous adults addressing a senior citizen.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
During the presentation, organizers also emphasized that taking any action, even if imperfect, could be a matter of life or death.
—Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
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Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
What’s about to happen is more a matter of geometry and timing than a perfectly straight lineup in space.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Later, Sebastian plays a mother surrounded by a gaggle of screaming kids who, in a matter of minutes, become busy, righteous adults addressing a senior citizen.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
During the presentation, organizers also emphasized that taking any action, even if imperfect, could be a matter of life or death.
—Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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